Smart sensors – overview and latest technology

IoT applications, whether for city infrastructures, factories, or wearable devices, use large arrays of sensors collecting data for transmission over the Internet to a central, cloud-based computing resource. Analytics software running on the cloud computers reduces the huge volumes of generated data into actionable information for users, and commands to actuators back out in the field.

So, sensors are one key factor in IoT success – but these are not conventional types, which simply convert physical variables into electrical signals. They have needed to evolve into something more sophisticated to perform a technically and economically viable role within the IoT environment.

This article starts by reviewing the IoT’s expectations of its sensors - what must be done to achieve the large sensor arrays characteristic of the IoT. We then show how manufacturers have responded, with improvements to fabrication, more integration and built-in intelligence, culminating in the concept of the smart sensors now in wide use.

During this discussion, it will become evident that sensor intelligence, apart from facilitating IoT connectivity, also creates many more benefits related to predictive maintenance, more flexible manufacturing and improved productivity.

What does the IoT expect of its sensors?

Sensors have traditionally been functionally simple devices that convert physical variables into electrical signals or changes in electrical properties. While this functionality is an essential starting-point, sensors need to add the following properties to perform as IoT components:

  • Low cost, so they can be economically deployed in large numbers
  • Physically small, to ‘disappear’ unobtrusively into any environment
  • Wireless, as a wired connection is typically not possible
  • Self-identification and self-validation
  • Very low power, so that it can survive for years without a battery change, or manage with energy harvesting
  • Robust, to minimise or eliminate maintenance
  • Self-diagnostic and self-healing
  • Self-calibrating, or accepts calibration commands via wireless link
  • Data pre-processing, to reduce load on gateways, PLCs and cloud resources

More advanced features:

  • Information from multiple sensors can be combined and correlated to infer conclusions about latent problems. For example, temperature sensor and vibration sensor data can be used to detect the onset of mechanical failure. In some cases, the two sensor functions are available in one device; in others, the functions are combined in software to create a ‘soft’ sensor.

The manufacturers’ response – smart sensor solutions

In this section, we look at the smart sensors that have been developed for IoT applications, in terms of both their building blocks and their fabrication. Then we review some of the advantages that accrue from the sensors’ inbuilt intelligence, especially the possibilities for self-diagnostics and repair.

What’s in a smart sensor, and what is it capable of?

We’ve reviewed the IoT’s expectations of a smart sensor, but how has the industry responded? What’s built into a modern smart sensor, and what is it capable of?

Smart sensor building blocks

Fig.1: Smart sensor building blocks – Image: ©Premier Farnell Ltd

Smart sensors are built as IoT components that convert the real-world variable that they’re measuring into a digital data stream for transmission to a gateway. Fig.1 shows how they do this. The application algorithms are performed by a built-in microprocessor unit (MPU). These can run filtering, compensation and any other process-specific signal conditioning tasks.

However, the MPU’s intelligence can be used for many other functions as well, to reduce the load on the IoT’s more central resources. For example, calibration data can be sent to the MPU so that the sensor is automatically set up for any production changes. The MPU can also spot any production parameters that start to drift beyond acceptable norms, and generate warnings accordingly; operators can then take preventative action before a catastrophic failure occurs.

If appropriate, the sensor could work in ‘report by exception’ mode, where it only transmits data if the measured variable value changes significantly from previous sample values. This reduces both the load on the central computing resource, and the smart sensor’s power requirements – usually a critical benefit, as the sensor must rely on a battery or energy harvesting in the absence of connected power.

If the smart sensor includes two elements in the probe , sensor self-diagnostics can be built in. Any developing drift in one of the sensor element outputs can be detected immediately. Additionally, if a sensor fails entirely, for example due to a short-circuit, the process can continue with the second measuring element. Alternatively, a probe can contain two sensors that work together for improved monitoring feedback.

Smart sensor - practical example

An interesting application developed by Texas Instruments provides a practical example of a smart sensor, and how its building blocks work together to generate useful information from analogue current and temperature measurement, as well as providing the intelligence for the other functions as mentioned. The application uses a variant of their ultra-low-power MSP430 MCU range to build a smart fault indicator for electric power distribution networks.

When properly installed, fault indicators reduce operating costs and service interruptions by providing information about a failed section of the network. At the same time, the device increases safety and reduces equipment damage by reducing the need for hazardous fault-diagnostic procedures. Fault indicators, due to their location, are primarily battery-powered, so low-power operation is also highly desirable.

The fault indicators, which are installed on the junctions of the overhead power-line network, send measurement data about the temperature and current in power transmission lines wirelessly to the concentrator/terminal units mounted on the poles. The concentrators use a GSM modem to pass the data to the cellular network to relay real-time information to the main station. The main station can also control and run diagnostics on the fault indicators through this same data path.

Continuous connection to the main station has several advantages. The first is the ability to remotely monitor fault conditions rather than searching for them in the field. A smart fault indicator can also constantly monitor temperature and current so that the controller at the main station has real-time status information about the power distribution network. Accordingly, power utility providers can quickly identify the fault location, minimize power downtime and even take action before a failure occurs. Workers at the main station can run diagnostics on the fault indicators at required intervals to check that they are working correctly.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of such a smart fault indicator, based on the TI MSP430™ ferroelectric random-access memory (FRAM) microcontroller (MCU). The current transducer produces an analogue voltage proportional to power-line current. An operational amplifier (op amp) amplifies and filters this voltage signal. The analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) on the MCU samples the output of the op amp. The digital stream from the ADC is then analysed by software running on the CPU or accelerator. The op amp output is also connected to a comparator on the MCU. The comparator generates a flag to the central processing unit (CPU) in the MCU if the input level transgresses a predetermined threshold.

The MSP430’s computing power allows frequency-domain current-measurement analysis, which provides a deeper insight into power line status than previous time-domain methods. The fast FRAM read-and-write speeds enable the accumulation of data for pattern analysis, while the MCU’s ultra-low power operating modes allow extended battery life operation.

smart fault indicator

Fig.2: Functional block diagram of a smart fault indicator based on the MSP430 FRAM MCU – Image via Texas Instruments

Fabrication

To realise the full potential of the IoT, sensor fabrication methods must continue to reduce the size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) of the sensor component and system. The same trend needs to apply to sensor packaging, which currently accounts for as much as 80% of the overall cost and form factor.

Smart sensors form when microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor elements are closely integrated with CMOS integrated circuits (ICs). These ICs provide device bias, signal amplification, and other signal processing functions. Originally, the wafer level vacuum packaging (WLVP) technology used included only discrete sensor devices, and smart sensors were realized by connecting discrete MEMS chips to IC chips through the package or board substrate in an approach called multi-chip integration.

An improved approach interconnects the CMOS IC and sensor elements directly, without the use of routing layers in the package or board, in a construction known as a system-on-chip (SoC). When compared to the discrete multi-chip packaging approach, SoC is typically more complex but leads to reduced parasitics, smaller footprints, higher interconnect densities, and lower package costs.

Other advantages of smart sensor intelligence

Smart photoelectric sensors can detect patterns in an object structure and any changes in them. This happens autonomously in the sensor, not in any external computing element. This increases processing throughput, and reduces the central processor - or local PLC’s – processing load.

Manufacturing flexibility is improved; a vital advantage in today’s competitive environment. Intelligent sensors can be remotely programmed with suitable parameters every time a product change is required. Production, inspection, packaging and dispatch can be set for even single-unit batch sizes at mass-production prices, so each consumer can receive a personalised one-off product.

Feedback from linear position sensors has traditionally been hampered by problems relating to system noise, signal attenuation, and response dynamics. Each sensor needed tuning to overcome these problems.

Honeywell offers a solution with their SPS-L075-HALS Smart Position Sensors. These can self-calibrate by using a patented combination of an ASIC and an array of MR (magnetoresistive) sensors. This accurately and reliably determines the position of a magnet attached to moving objects such as elevators, valves or machinery.

The MR array measures the output of the MR sensors mounted along the magnet’s direction of travel. The output and the MR sensor sequence determine the nearest pair of sensors to the centre of the magnet location. The output from this pair is then used to determine the position of the magnet between them. This non-contacting technology can provide enhanced product life and durability with less downtime. A self-diagnostics feature can further reduce downtime levels.

These sensors also tick other IoT smart sensor requirements. Their small size allows installation where space is at a premium, while IP67 and IP69K sealing options allow deployment in harsh environments. They are smart enough to replace several sensor and switch components together with the extra wiring, external components and connections also previously needed. The sensors are used in aerospace, medical and industrial applications.

Smart sensors with self-diagnostics and repair capabilities

Smart sensors can also be well-suited to safety-critical applications like detection of hazardous gas, fire or intruders. Conditions in these environments can be harsh, and the sensors can be difficult to access for maintenance or battery replacement - yet high reliability is critical. A team at the Lab-STICC Research Center, University of South-Brittany, has been developing a solution which improves reliability by using dual probes and hardware which can self-diagnose and repair itself.

The ultimate goal of their project is to integrate all the elements described below into a single discrete device, suitable for applications such as hazardous gas detection in areas such as harbours or warehouses.

Their Paper, entitled ‘On-line self-diagnosis based on power measurement for a wireless sensor node’, describes a node that can pinpoint an internal failure and take corrective action to improve both reliability and energy-efficiency. This reduces the node’s vulnerability and alleviates maintenance costs. The design brief recognises the limitations of such sensors; restricted battery autonomy, energy harvesting subject to unreliable energy source behaviour, limited processing and storage resources, and a need for wireless communications. See our article on ‘Alternative solutions for powering IoT devices’ for more background on batteries, super-capacitors and energy-harvesting techniques for smart sensors.

The node is equipped with two sensors; during normal operation, the first captures environmental data while the second is only activated by users to verify the obtained data. If the first sensor were to fail, the node’s reliability is downgraded, while battery power is being wasted on supplying the non-functioning sensor. However, if the node disconnects the first sensor and switches to the second, no energy is wasted and node reliability is maintained.

Accordingly, the project’s objective was to develop a novel self-diagnostic based on functional and physical tests to detect a hardware failure in any component of the wireless sensor node. This method can identify exactly which node component has failed, and indicate suitable remedial action.

Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the self-reconfigurable sensor node. Its components include a processor, a RAM/FLASH memory, an Interface for Actuator and Sensors (IAS) to interface with the environment, a Radio Transceiver Module (RTM) to transmit and receive data, and a battery with power switches (DC-DC converters). The node also includes a Power and Availability Manager (PAM) combined with an FPGA configurable zone. The first one is considered as the intelligent part for the best use of energy, auto-diagnosis and fault-tolerance, while the other enhances the availability of the sensor node.

Hardware configuration of wireless sensor node

Fig. 3: Hardware configuration of wireless sensor node – Image: ©Premier Farnell Ltd

The Table in Fig. 4 shows how the sensor node can respond to various node issues. The FPGA contains a soft core 8051 CPU, which is activated when performance enhancement is needed, or to replace the main processor if it fails. The FPGA itself is an Actel type IGL00V2, chosen for its reliability and low power consumption. The remainder of the node comprises a PIC processor, RAM memory, Miwi radio transceiver module, two Oldham OLCT 80 gas detectors, LM3100 and MAX618 power switches and a battery.

self-diagnostic sensor node

Fig.4: Table showing issues and corrective actions for self-diagnostic sensor node - – Image: ©Premier Farnell Ltd

Conclusion

In this article, we have seen how chip manufacturers and researchers have been responding to the IoT’s need for smart sensors. This has partly been a matter of adding intelligence and communications capabilities to the basic transducer function, but it also involves improved fabrication. By integrating the MEMS sensor elements and CMOS computing components onto a single substrate, smart sensors can be implemented in small, low-cost packages that can be embedded in space-constrained applications with resilience to their environmental conditions.

Accordingly, IoT designers can source they sensors that they need; small, cheap, resilient and low-power enough for ubiquitous deployment, while having the intelligence to deliver useful information as well as raw data. They also facilitate more flexible, granular automation, as they can accept incoming commands for recalibration to accommodate production changes.

References

https://www.ifm.com/de/en/category/040/040_050/040_050_050#!/S/DD/DM/1/D/0/F/0/T/24

https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/industrial_strength/archive/2017/04/11/smart-sensing-with-ultra-low-power-mcus-part-2-smart-fault-indicators

Wafer-Level Vacuum Packaging of Smart Sensors, Allan Hilton and Dorota S. Temple: www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/16/11/1819/pdf

https://blog.sick.com/de/en/smart-sensors-for-smart-factory

https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/926341.pdf

Van-Trinh Hoang, Nathalie Julien, Pascal Berruet. On-line self-diagnosis based on power measurement for a wireless sensor node. First IEEE Workshop on Highly-Reliable Power-Efficient Embedded Designs, Feb 2013, Shenzhen, China. p. xx-xx, 2013. https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00782758/document

Smart sensors – overview and latest technology. Date published: 29th August 2017 by Farnell element14